PJax: "I Plan on Starting Him"

PJax:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Coach Phil Jackson is known to be whimsical and unpredictable, but it didn't seem as if he was kidding when talking about Turiaf at Friday's practice.

"I plan on starting him," Jackson said. "I really have seriously considered starting him. He's a guy that can bring energy to the game and kind of start what we need to have as far as a physical front, a guy who can block some shots and do things."

Such a lineup would give the Lakers a bulky front line with Turiaf, Lamar Odom (if healthy) and either Andrew Bynum, Brown or Mihm at center.

To make way for the brawn, Luke Walton could be moved back to reserve status after starting 60 games last season.

"I know that we have to have starters coming off the bench to be a good team," Jackson said.

Walton joined other players on the sideline because of various injuries after straining his right hamstring. He is day to day.

"We do know who the toilet-tissue paper players are," Jackson said with a smile about players sitting out because of minor injuries. "We make a note of that. Right now we've got a few of them.

"Luke's attrition in training camp -- he always seems to be a guy that'll miss [some] regular season because of a training-camp injury. We hope we averted it this time."</div></p>

Source: LA Times</p>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Turiaf also figured Jackson was playing mind games.</p>

"I think he's jerking around with me," Turiaf said. "He's been jerking around with me for 2 1/2 years. On a more serious note, I'll be ready for whatever is coming my way. I know what they're asking from the power forward."</p>

Turiaf averaged 5.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.08 blocks in 2006-07, his second season in the NBA after a standout career at Gonzaga.</p>

"He's kind of our silent warrior, even though he's kind of an outspoken kind of guy," Jackson said of Turiaf. "I really am considering starting him, but that position is really wide open. (But) he's a guy who can bring energy to the game."</div></p>

Source: SGVTribune</p>

<a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakerep6oct06,1,1047468.story?track=crosspromo&coll=la-headlines-sports&ctrack=3&cset=true" target="_blank">
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I guess the Lakers plan on going extra big this season to win games? I'm not sure how I feel about this move until see this group on the floor for an extended amount of time. I do like Luke off the bench to help run the offense for the second unit. He makes the game a lot easier for everyone when the offense works through him. With Fisher back, and Kobe doing for facilitating this season, Luke's skills aren't really needed with the starting lineup.</p>

Thoughts?</p>

 

Re: PJax:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (mynetsforlife)</div><div class='quotemain'></p>

Somewhere, Richard Jefferson weeps.</p>

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Too bad. I think he enjoys his time with Luke playing counterstrike and horseshoes more anyways.</p>

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